It has pros and cons, just like anything else. The main convenience for me is that, just like an email, it allows me to send a message quickly and/or in little bits, without drawing my focus away from the main thing I'm doing. For example, if I'm at a baseball game I can watch the play, type a few words, watch the next play, type a few more words, play, words, finish thought, send, all on my own convenient-to-me time schedule. It's also handy in areas with poor reception, where a small file-size text can get sent, but a phone call would be a garbled mess.
-J

I've been flying airplanes and helicopters for over four decades and I'm still amazed that so many aircraft auger in due to fuel exhaustion. It's still poor planning and judgement, but I'm willing to cut airplanes a bit more slack because they require a runway. Same for helos in low IFR conditions because slow cruising aircraft have limited options for alternates. But as far as I'm concerned, there's just no excuse for fuel exhaustion in helos operating in visual conditions. Just land it anywhere it'll fit and worry about the consequences later. It may cost the pilot his job or even his ticket, but if they lack the judgement to make responsible decisions on behalf of the passengers and folks on the ground, then they shouldn't be piloting aircraft.

As far as the texting thing is concerned, Mr Bell is turning over in his grave since so many have traded the miracle of instant voice communication for a tiny, inefficient typewriter.